How the car donation process works
Tell us what paperwork you have
Start by sharing the basics: where the vehicle is in Texas, whether it runs, whose name is on the title, and whether the title is clean, missing, out of state, or marked with a lien. Rev Up Giving can usually schedule free towing across major Texas metros and surrounding suburbs, from Houston and Sugar Land to Dallas, Garland, Austin, Cedar Park, San Antonio, New Braunfels, and beyond. A clear title is the easiest path, but if something is unusual, Heritage for the Blind can guide you on what may be possible before pickup is confirmed.
Handle liens before donation
If a bank, credit union, finance company, or other lender is listed on the title, the lien generally must be satisfied before the vehicle can be donated. That usually means paying off the loan and getting a lien release or a clean title from the lender. If you are unsure whether the lien is active, contact the lender named on the title and ask what is required to release it. Rev Up Giving cannot remove a lender’s interest for you, but we can explain what paperwork is typically needed once the lien has been cleared.
Sign the title over at pickup
When the tow driver arrives, you will sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind at pickup. The driver brings the pickup paperwork and helps complete the handoff. Please do not sign the title too early unless you have been instructed exactly where to sign, because errors can create delays. Have your ID available and remove personal items, toll tags, and license plates if required for your situation. After the signed title is handed off, donors typically do not need to make a separate DMV visit for the transfer.
Ask about lost-title options
Lost your Texas title? Do not assume you cannot donate. Heritage for the Blind can help you navigate your state’s lost-title process and explain whether your vehicle can be accepted while title replacement is in progress. In some cases, vehicles without titles can still be accepted depending on the vehicle, state rules, ownership documentation, and program requirements. The best next step is to call before spending time at a government office. Rev Up Giving will help you understand what is needed and whether pickup can move forward.
Resolve estate or name-mismatch issues
If the title is in a deceased spouse’s or parent’s name, extra paperwork may be needed before donation. Depending on the state and the facts, that could involve probate documents, letters testamentary, a small-estate affidavit, or an affidavit of heirship. If the vehicle is titled in someone else’s name and that person is living, the titled owner generally must sign the title or provide the required authorization. Because family situations can be sensitive, Rev Up Giving keeps the conversation simple and respectful while helping you identify the likely next paperwork step.
Donate with tax documentation
Your donation supports Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Free towing is included, and after pickup you receive donation documentation. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, the IRS requires Form 1098-C, which is provided for qualifying vehicle donations. Keep your title transfer paperwork, receipt, and any 1098-C with your tax records. If you want to explore additional benefit eligibility, Heritage also connects people with resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and more at nhftb.org/finder.
Key facts about car donation
A clean title is preferred, but some missing-title situations can still be reviewed before pickup.
Active liens must be satisfied, or the lender must release the title, before donation.
Out-of-state titles are accepted when ownership can be verified and properly signed over.
The tow driver brings pickup paperwork and collects the signed title at your location.
Most Texas donors do not need a DMV visit after completing the title handoff.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.